Superior Officers Due For Raises, Too

A vote is due this month on a contract for police officers who have been working at 2002 rates pending settlement. A parallel ordinance will also give captains, lieutenants and sergeants back pay and a raise in 2006.

The City Council will vote on the contracts at a special meeting 8 p.m. Dec. 19 in City Hall Library, 515 Watchung Ave.

In the 2002 budget, top salaries were $98,926 for captains, $80,556 for lieutenants and $70,003 for sergeants. Maximums will rise in 2006 to $111,981 for captains, $97,074 for lieutenants and $84,358 for sergeants.

The four-year contracts will expire at the end of 2006, meaning union leaders for Police Benevolent Association Local 19 will soon have to seek negotiations with the new administration of Mayor-elect Sharon Robinson-Briggs for the next contract.

--Bernice Paglia

KEYWORDS: police contract